Charlotte Carpenter

Charlotte "Ann" Carpenter, 79, of Danville, passed away Tuesday evening (November 9, 2004) at Carle Foundation Hospital. She was born May 4, 1925 in Danville, Illinois, to Virginia Morgan and Charles Furrow. She was married to Richard Harold Carpenter on October. 16, 1952. She was preceded in death by one daughter who died at birth, on June 2, 1946, and by her husband, Richard, on November 5, 1994. Survivors include: one daughter, Bernice (Charles) Mattis, of Danville: three grandchildren, Jamie (Ed) DeVore, of Mattoon, Illinois, Chip (Jessie) Mattis of Champaign Illinois, and Amanda Mattis of Danville. Charlotte was employed in the communications profession as a switchboard operator for several years prior to beginning her family and later on in life as an in-home healthcare provider. As a young woman Charlotte was active in the Free Methodist Church and especially enjoyed the singing of praises with her true contralto voice. During her time at Olivet Nazarene College she was a part of a vocal group sharing her talent and her message with others. Charlotte never lost her desire to share her voice when given the opportunity and cherished those that came along. When the Second World War snatched away many of the young baseball players in this country, many women stepped up to form a baseball league all of their own, Charlotte among them. She was still a student at Danville High School when she began playing second base for a traveling women's baseball team in the early 1940's. She was a rough player and bore scars the rest of her days from many a slide in the dirt. Charlotte also possessed a talent for drawing and painting. Her art was a way for her to spend quiet time alone enjoying her talent and the scenes which she depicted. Despite her humility about her talent she was bold enough to submit a drawing of President Franklin Roosevelt that was received with wide acclamation from the White House. She was honored by the President for her work. She was modest about her works and generally only shared them with her closest family and friends, but those who have had the privilege of seeing or sharing them received a pleasant blessing. Among her other interests, Charlotte enjoyed swimming (working as a lifeguard for a time), fishing and was a passionate Cubs fan. In all of her activities and pursuits, most important to Charlotte were her family and friends. Always giving herself completely, Charlotte made certain that no need went unfilled. From raising a family to providing for the recuperation and rehabilitation of a close friend, she seemed always to place others ahead of herself. With the arrival of three grandchildren, Charlotte became a beloved fixture in their lives. Just as Bernice experienced her mother as an active supporter and partner in her education, so did each of her grandchildren. By spending time with Jamie and Chip, both were able to enter formal schooling with the ability to read and perform simple math. Charlotte's involvement and support continued throughout their schooling and could be relied upon after they entered their adult lives. She spent numerous hours with Amanda, the youngest of the grandchildren, aiding her development and care. Charlotte's support, pride and enjoyment of her family as well as their achievement and love will be deeply missed.